BLACK BANANAS: SCUZZED, FUZZED AND STRUNG OUT

Another year, another jam-packed dance card for Jennifer Herrema, the matriarch of all things that rock as she surveys them from her high perch in Black Bananas, Feathered Fish, and the JJ X denim line.

Not only has she got a twisted new heavy music offering from Black Bananas coming in May but her fashion-and-elsewhere collaboration with Pamela Love is ready to drop another great new thing at the Purple Mag Boutique in April. And then there’s the remixes, the photo shoots and the gallery shows that are on the way. She’s gonna be just fine, thanks….

Taking her trademark scuzzed, fuzzed and strung out sounds from her days as one half of iconic rockers Royal Trux, the one-time heroin chic model for Calvin Klein has added influences ranging from coked up, loose limbed P-Funk, ‘80s hair metal and future electric metallic GoGo sounds to bring the funk to the party!

Black Bananas is the new band in town – and they’re fucking righteous.

Where are you at the moment and what’s it like?
I’m at home watching the news and picking out a cute outfit for my High Times photo shoot. They say it never rains in California but it’s fucking pouring.

You once quoted that you were inspired by the artist Jeff Koons, who else inspires you?
There are so many people but artists right off the top… the artwork of Justin Lowe and Jonah Freeman (creating alternate realities), Spencer Sweeney (artists artist), Andreas Jenne, my home girl Rita Ackerman and Neil Hagerty.

Do you have any art at home?
Yes my faves are originals by Rita Ackerman, Justin Lowe and Jonah Freeman, Derek Riggs, Jess Holzworth, Neil Hagerty and Andreas Jenne.

Have you done any modeling lately?
I modeled the Hysteric Glamour S/S 2012 collection for ads and billboards and am modeling the fall 2012 Volcom denim line ads.

Do you get to keep loads of free clothes?
I get to keep some cool stuff for sure! Big shout out to House of Matching Colours for the custom long fringe leather jacket Paula made for me! Also shout out to Pamela Love and Angel Jackson. Was just gifted some siiiiick shit.

How did the split vinyl single with Primal Scream come about last year?
We had done a tour with them and we wanted to record a cover of Spirit’s Natures Way. I told Bobby about it and he mentioned a few covers they had recorded but not released so we just put it together as the first release on our friends new label. Andreas (Skullux) is a big Primal Scream fan too so he was stoked to do the artwork.

Tell us a secret about Bobby Gillespie?
Hmmmmm no secrets. His dad is a very handsome distinguished gentleman with an amazing gold ring.

What state of health is Rock’n’roll in at the moment?
The possibilities are endless but the new kids need to stop being willfully ignorant. So few new writers and bands actually know anything about music, art, or life and it makes me wanna vomit when I hear or read some of the trash that’s out there. But not to worry they will all X themselves out – that’s the beauty of stupidity.

What’s the roughest venue you’ve ever played?
An alley in south west D.C.

What’s your usual post gig routine?
Pee and smoke.

Who would be in your ultimate fantasy band, dead or alive? 
James Booker: keyboards. He was one of the most badass piano players ever. He could play fast as lightning to the point of being percussive and could literally hold up any audience at gun point for all the cash in their pockets. Could totally help with road expenses while we’re touring.

Michael Shrieve: drums. He executed one of the siiiiickest drum solos ever playing with Santana at Woodstock. He’s a monster at improv and finding and getting into the groove zone. Will be perfect for our on stage pee breaks.

Eddie Hazel (Funkadelic): Lead guitar. He executed one of my fav guitar solos of all time on the song Maggot Brain and is one of my fav guitar players ever. He could also make sure we get well taken care of by any stewardesses on any flights we might have to endure while on tour… he had a way with the stewardesses.

Malcolm Young (AC/DC): Rhythm guitar. He’s solid as hell and would be able to lead the group on daily calisthenics to keep our chops lean for the on stage synch steps.

Robert Wilson (Gap Band): Bass. “The godfather of bass” nuff said?

Lead vox (doubled up): Jennifer Herrema and Wino (Scott Weinrich).

Who would play Jennifer Herrema in Black Bananas The Movie?
Oh shit! I don’t know… who do u think? I’m grooming my goddaughter but she’s only four.

The new single  first single ‘Physical Emotions’ will be available on April 22nd via Drag City,  followed by the album ‘Electric Brick Wall’ on 24th June